Taxonomic revision of populations of Moenkhausia jamesi Eigenmann, 1908 (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae)

Abstract

The characiforms represent one of the largest groups of freshwater fish in the world, with the Characidae family consisting of 12 subfamilies, 165 genera, and 950 species. Until recently, the genus Moenkhausia was among the 88 genera allocated increase sedis in Characidae, which indicates the confused taxonomic status and insufficient knowledge about the phylogenetic interrelationships among taxa of this family. This research proposal aims to address questions of taxonomic importance about the genus Moenkhausia, one of the most complex genera in a number of species and in terms of morphological diversity in the family Characidae. The following hypothesis will be tested: " Moenkhausia James represents a valid and monotypic species." For this, we will analyze the largest possible amount of lots available in Brazilian ichthyological collections, available through loans or visits to these collections. If the initial hypothesis is proven, it is intended to redescribe M. jamesi in detail and provide a map showing its geographical distribution. If it is evident the presence of more than one species, will be provided formal descriptions of these species, and if necessary and appropriate, an identification key for these species, as well as maps showing the geographical distribution of each species. The final results should contribute to a general review of the systematics of the genus Moenkhausia and related genera. (AU)